The Difference Between Coal Oil and Kerosene
Source of Origin
Kerosene oil is refined and produced from liquid petroleum. On the other hand, coal oil is extracted from a type of bituminous coal known as cannel coal.
Terminology
In the past, coal oil was sometimes referred to as kerosene, which can cause confusion. However, in modern times, the term kerosene is generally accepted to mean an oily substance obtained during the refining and distillation of petroleum.
Chemical Composition
Both coal oil and kerosene are chemically similar, as they both consist mainly of hydrocarbons of the alkane series with 10 to 16 carbon atoms in each molecule. The boiling point of coal oil is higher than gasoline or petroleum ethers, but lower than oils.
Historical Use
Coal oil was widely used for illumination in the past. It was commonly used for outdoor lamps due to its smokey flame. On the other hand, kerosene was first derived from cannel coal and was initially used in lamps as an illuminant. Cleaner-burning whale oil was used for indoor lamps.
Sources:
- Sciencing – What Is the Difference Between Kerosene and Coal Oil?
- Bumgarner Oil – Are Coal Oil and Kerosene Oil the Same Thing?
- Wikipedia – Coal oil
FAQs
The Difference Between Coal Oil and Kerosene
What is the source of origin for kerosene oil and coal oil?
Kerosene oil is refined and produced from liquid petroleum. Coal oil, on the other hand, is extracted from a type of bituminous coal known as cannel coal.
Why was there confusion between coal oil and kerosene in the past?
In the past, coal oil was sometimes referred to as kerosene, which caused confusion. The use of the term kerosene to describe both coal oil and petroleum-derived oil contributed to this confusion.
How do the chemical compositions of coal oil and kerosene compare?
Both coal oil and kerosene are chemically similar. They consist mainly of hydrocarbons of the alkane series with 10 to 16 carbon atoms in each molecule. However, the boiling point of coal oil is higher than gasoline or petroleum ethers, but lower than oils.
What were the historical uses of coal oil and kerosene?
Coal oil was widely used for illumination in the past. It was commonly used for outdoor lamps due to its smokey flame. On the other hand, kerosene was first derived from cannel coal and was initially used in lamps as an illuminant. Cleaner-burning whale oil was used for indoor lamps.
Is kerosene the same as coal oil?
No, kerosene and coal oil are not the same. While they share similarities in their chemical composition and historical uses, they have different sources of origin. Kerosene is derived from liquid petroleum, while coal oil is extracted from cannel coal.
How is coal oil commonly used today?
In modern times, the use of coal oil has declined significantly. It is not commonly used as a fuel source anymore and has been largely replaced by other forms of energy. However, coal oil may still have niche applications in certain industries or regions.
What are some alternative names for coal oil?
Coal oil is known by various alternative names, including “kerosene oil” (which can cause confusion), “coal tar oil,” and “rock oil.”
Can coal oil be used interchangeably with kerosene?
While coal oil and kerosene are similar in some ways, it is generally not recommended to use them interchangeably. Different applications may require specific fuel properties, and using the wrong type of fuel can lead to inefficiency or even safety hazards. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications when choosing a fuel.